GW Goodwill Good Stuff
A clean, symmetrical photograph of a renovated room with soft daylight, warm wood tones and pale painted walls, conveying a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

DIY Projects & Crafts

Creative make-it-yourself ideas from Goodwill Good Stuff, painted glasses, terrariums, sharpie shirts and outdoor lanterns.

Looking for inspiration to turn a thrift store find into something new? These hands-on projects from the Goodwill Good Stuff blog pair thrifty materials with simple steps so you can decorate, gift, and dress with personality.

Featured Projects

A pale green bowl resting on cardboard with two hand-drawn circles traced in green marker, soft natural light, mint and brown palette.

Hello Spring! DIY Tulip Wine Glasses

Posted April 6, 2015. Paint simple tulip motifs onto thrifted wine glasses for a cheerful spring table.

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A clear glass dome covering a pomegranate, pear and pinecone on a gold tray above a radiator, warm amber and green tones, cozy still-life mood.

Dinosaur + Air Plant Repurposing

A playful planter mashup that pairs a thrifted dinosaur figure with a living air plant.

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A white sleeveless shirt displayed against a dark background with a colorful marker drawing on the back, bold craft-project mood.

DIY Sharpie Shirt

Turn a plain tee from the racks into a wearable graphic piece with fabric markers and a steady hand.

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A hand holding orange-handled scissors cutting strips of dark blue fabric on a carpeted floor, overhead view, deep blue and warm wood tones.

DIY Outdoor Votive Lantern

Assemble a simple outdoor lantern from upcycled materials to light up a porch or patio.

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Crafting Tips

  • Sort by texture and color before you start, so similar finishes end up in the same project.
  • Wash thrifted glassware and shirts before painting so the surface takes color evenly.
  • Keep a small kit of brushes, fabric scissors, and craft glue within reach.
  • Snap a quick photo of every step so you can re-create a look later.

Materials At A Glance

Project Main Thrift Find Add-On Supplies Posted
Tulip Wine Glasses Plain wine glasses Glass paint, brushes April 6, 2015
Dinosaur + Air Plant Ceramic dinosaur figurine Air plant, moss April 2015
Sharpie Shirt Plain t-shirt Fabric markers 2015
Outdoor Votive Lantern Glass jar or tin Votive candle, wire 2015

Have a project to share?

Send your DIY photos, write-ups, or central Indiana thrifting stories to the blog team.

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DIY projects thrive on the charm of repurposed thrift store finds, where patience and a playful eye transform ordinary pieces into something personal. A few minutes of sorting through color, texture, and shape usually reveals possibilities hiding on crowded shelves, from stemmed glassware waiting for a painted motif to a quirky figurine ready to cradle a living plant. Working with budget-friendly supplies keeps the process relaxed, while simple tools like fabric markers and rubbing alcohol make quick work of customizing tees and table accents. The joy comes from letting curiosity lead, mixing unexpected items, and celebrating the small imperfections that make each handmade piece feel warm, lived-in, and entirely your own.